VIERA, Fla. — Wilson Ramos arrived for spring training with a new tattoo emblazoned on his left forearm. It includes a flock of doves and a biblical quote in Spanish, which translated reads: "I put everything in Jesus, because he's got my back."

Beneath the quote are the numbers "11-11-11." As in November 11, 2011. The day Ramos was rescued by Venezuelan authorities following 50 hours in captivity.

For anyone who encounters Ramos, it's an instant reminder that this winter was unlike any ever experienced by a major-league ballplayer. As much as people wish they could relate to Ramos, no active player had ever been abducted from his home and whisked away under a dark hood to a remote shack in the mountains.

So teammates and coaches have tried their best to offer Ramos support and good wishes since the moment he walked into Space Coast Stadium this spring. The Nationals' second-year catcher appreciates it all, but heRead more »

A better translation is "I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength." The quote on his arm is a direct Bible quote in Spanish, not a paraphrase, like the English "translation" you and Kilgore and others quote. I could not find an English translation of the Bible that talks about Jesus "having someone's back." Just sayin'

So great to see him in camp. Having his family here may ease his mind also. I am thinking that he will get a big ovation at the home opener. Familiar routines can be very comforting after a huge ordeal and I hope the baseball lifestyle is just what he needs. Ramooose is looose!!!

Mark,Pace yourself. It's early in Spring Training. You don't want to develop Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and have to go on the DL before the season even starts. And remember, your first year back from C-T surgery, they limit you to 160 stories, which means you'd have to shut down before the 2013 season ends and miss the playoffs.

"Hopefully the fans maybe stand up and break out their hands and say a couple good words for me," he said. "I want to hear that."Hear it he will! There were already plans to give him the loudest standing ovation in the world at the home opener. Frankly, some of us are planning on cheering loudly at the exhibition game too.

Thanks, Anonymous. I thought it sounded a little strange and hadn't actually seen it, there is a picture on Nats Enquirer. Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.It is Philippians 4:13, if anyone is wondering.

I think it was Plesac on Hot Stove who prophesied that "in two years, Ramos will be the best catcher in baseball." Whoever, I don't care . . .. The only thing that concerns me is whether he'll wear out under the workload of a full season. In six pro years he's had one season w/ more than 120 games. I understand that Flores is a competent backup but I'd rather have 130+ games of Ramos.

Not that I think it's worth busting the poor beat writers' chops over, but it is interesting to get the actual chapter and verse. In context, it's an interesting choice for him. Paul is thanking the congregation for their support during some difficulties. (numbers are verse numbers; tezt is from the New American Bible)10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity.11 Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient.12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. 13 I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. 14 Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

"Hopefully the fans maybe stand up and break out their hands and say a couple good words for me," he said.I think you can count on people fairly breaking their hands for that one. Bring hankies. Bring extras.

Whatsanattu called it back in the day. I'm so thankful that the scenario will be possible.Whatsanattu said… I am looking forward to an opening day lineup that includes Wilson batting 7th or 8th. I project a couple of hits and a caught stealing. I'm thinking he will get a standing ovation at each park he plays with a particularly touching and enthusiastic ovation at the home opener. I think his whole family will be there – perhaps sitting behind home plate embarrassing the moment. November 10, 2011 11:52 PM

Go Wilson Ramos!!!Thank heavens the home opener is against the Reds and not the Phillies, or we would hear a chorus of Booooo! from the drunken philth fans!What a terrible thing that would be.Go Ramos! Go Nats!

Anyone else see the Harold Reynolds interview with Bryce on Hot Stove? That boy is a man-child for sure. At nineteen he could keep growing for another couple of years. He seems to have a laser-beam focus and a real work ethic. I feel that he could probably handle being here from the start of the season, but it will be company policy for him to hit Syracuse even if it's only for 6 weeks. He came across as confident but not brash or excessively cocky. Reynolds was very impressed with him. I recommend you try to watch it on one of the many repeats. Now Eric Byrnes is drinking our koolaid , too. Expectations are very high – praying it goes well! GYFNG!!!

" I feel that he could probably handle being here from the start of the season, but it will be company policy for him to hit Syracuse even if it's only for 6 weeks. "Not trying to be disagreeable, but this isn't a Nationals issue. In almost every instance, this is league-wide policy.

Harold Reynolds' interview with Harper was great. I'm glad he asked about PEDs too. "I'm as natural as it gets. You can test me today, tomorrow, the next day, in 10 years, there's nothing." One really cool thing was they showed his Dad tossing "batting practice" to him, sitting in a chair about four feet away. Said he'd been doing that since Bryce was 5. He might be 19, but he's a really mature 19, with a great attitude. This is going to be fun.

NatsJack in Florida said… Theophilus….. If it was Plesac he was echoing what what Jerry Hairston, Jr. said last Thursday or Friday on Hot Stove. February 21, 2012 5:27 PM ______________________________You are correct. Maybe Plesac said it also. Hairston spoke very highly of the Nats and in particular Wilson Ramos. He will be the top catcher in all of baseball in 2 years.

Section 222 said… Harold Reynolds' interview with Harper was great. I'm glad he asked about PEDs too. "I'm as natural as it gets. You can test me today, tomorrow, the next day, in 10 years, there's nothing." One really cool thing was they showed his Dad tossing "batting practice" to him, sitting in a chair about four feet away. Said he'd been doing that since Bryce was 5. He might be 19, but he's a really mature 19, with a great attitude. This is going to be fun. February 21, 2012 9:41 PM __________________________________I TiVo'd it. Interesting after the piece the comments the guys said. They all felt that he shouldn't be rushed to the Majors. Al Leiter didn't want his head to be messed up with being rushed and failed.

Concur on the Harper interview. He seems to have grown up considerably since early last year, most likely in part because of the phone calls he got from various Nats players at the request of management. They are handling him well, and he knows he's being handled and doesn't seem to resent it.

I believe in the Church of Baseball. I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan. I know things. For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I heard that, I gave Jesus a chance. But it just didn't work out between us. The Lord laid too much guilt on me. I prefer metaphysics to theology. You see, there's no guilt in baseball, and it's never boring… which makes it like sex. Making love is like hitting a baseball: you just gotta relax and concentrate. Besides, I'd never sleep with a player hitting under .250… not unless he had a lot of RBIs and was a great glove man up the middle. It's a long season and you gotta trust it. I've tried 'em all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball.

Anonymous said… Sec 3Please Spend more time in your church and less time here February 21, 2012 10:02 PM ****************You need to up your clever quotient, or relax your annoyance threshold. Either will do the trick.

The Church of Baseball… I like that Sec 3 :-)Seriously, when I'm down, depressed, anxious, rock bottom, nothing lifts my spirit like baseball.Even in the dark months of winter I can pick up one of my baseball books, tune into MLB network, read Insider and feel much better.Spring and Baseball are around the corner…can't wait!